Ivs obturator instrument and procedure

Abstract

There is disclosed a surgical instrument for inserting material into the body. The surgical instrument generally includes an outer tubular member. The instrument has a longitudinal section and an arcuate section having at least two different radii of curvature. An inner member is movably positioned within the outer tubular member and includes structure for engaging a length of material to draw the material through the outer tubular member and into the body. Methods of using the surgical instrument to position a length of tape beneath the urethra to form a support are also disclosed.

Description

[0001]The present application claims the benefit of and priority to International Application Ser. No. PCT / EP2003 / 008067 filed on Jul. 23, 2003, which, in turn, claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60 / 397,905, filed on Jul. 23, 2002 and entitled IVS OBTURATOR, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND[0002]1. Technical Field[0003]The technical field relates to insertion instrumentation for inserting material into the body and, more particularly, to an insertion tool and method for inserting a support structure or material into the body to provide a support to the urethra.[0004]2. Background of Related Art[0005]One problem occurring in women due to the onset of advanced age or trauma is urinary stress incontinence. Several therapies have been developed to correct or alleviate this condition, such as, for example drug therapies and surgical procedures. In some cases it is necessary to implant a temporary or perm...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0012]a portion of the arcuate section distal of the proximal portion curves toward the longitudinal axis in a second direction and defines a second radius of curvature. The shape of the first member facilitates the passing of the material into the body, in a minimally invasive procedure.

[0014]In certain preferred embodiments, the first member comprises a hollow outer tubular member. A stylet is at least partially movable within the outer tubular member and engageable with a material to pass the material within the body. The hollow outer tubular member and stylet enable the surgeon to remove the stylet from the outer tubular member and reinsert the stylet in the opposite position with respect to the outer tubular member. This structure also facilitates the placement of the material so that the material extends from a first side of the pelvis to a second side of the pelvis.

[0021]In the present invention, the surgical instrument for passing a material into a body in a minimally invasive procedure may have the arcuate section dimensioned and curved whereby when in use and in position in the body, the arcuate section extends from the skin over the obturator foramen, through the obturator foramen, to the vaginal wall. The shape of the first member facilitates the passing of the material into the body, in a minimally invasive procedure. The shape of the first member enables a material to be placed inside the body in a minimally invasive procedure so that the material extends through the obturator foramen.

Problems solved by technology

One problem occurring in women due to the onset of advanced age or trauma is urinary stress incontinence.

These procedures are fairly invasive and require complex instruments to install the bone anchors in the pubic bone.

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